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Despite a sales slump even before the coronavirus struck, U.K. vehicle ownership rises to its highest-ever figure.

New data shows 40.4 million cars, light-commercial vehicles and trucks are registered for use on British roads. Encouragingly for the economy, LCV ownership has risen 2.7% to 4.5 million vehicles and heavy-duty truck use is at its highest in 30 years. Many of these vehicles are helping provide transport for essential workers, deliveries and emergency services.

Some 25,000 ambulance and fire service vehicles, together with more than 20,000 supermarket delivery trucks are keeping the nation safe, supermarket shelves stocked, and the flow of food, medicine and care to vulnerable people going during the coronavirus crisis.

Research for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows overall vehicle ownership increased 1% year-on-year at a time when new-vehicle sales have been curtailed apparently by concerns over the economic impact of Brexit.